Guinness Cupcakes with Maple Cinnamon Frosting
Prepare to be amazed as rich dark chocolate meets the deep, malty flavors of Irish stout, all perfectly complemented by the warm sweetness of maple and cinnamon in these Guinness cupcakes.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make and decorate – The cupcake batter is completely made by hand, while the frosting is a simple one-bowl recipe. To decorate, just pipe a dollop of frosting and top with a pretzel.
- Decadent taste & texture – The cupcake is super rich, moist, and chocolaty. The frosting is sweet and tangy with a smokey maple flavor and hint of spice. The mini pretzel on top is not only for decoration – the salty crunchiness along with the sweet, creamy frosting is amazing on your taste buds.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a party, or simply craving a decadent treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with friends, family, and guests alike.
How to make Guinness cupcakes:
(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter then stir in the cocoa powder and stout. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sour cream. Add in the chocolate mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, toss together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter into 18 paper cupcake liners and bake at 350F for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
FAQ:
Yes, while the flavor isn’t overpowering, it adds a unique depth and richness to the cupcakes. You’ll notice a subtle sweetness from the malt and a smooth bite from the alcohol. Also, the dark roasted coffee notes from the draught beer complements and enhances the chocolate flavor.
If you prefer to avoid alcohol or don’t have Guinness on hand, you can substitute it with another kind of stout beer or strong coffee. While it won’t taste exactly the same, the cupcakes will still turn out moist and delicious.
These cupcakes are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They can be stored for up to 5 days, although they’re so delicious, they’re likely to be devoured much sooner! Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
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Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.
Guinness Cupcakes with Maple Cinnamon Frosting
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup 50g cocoa powder , (I used dutch-processed)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) Guinness draft beer
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 18 mini pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 muffin pans with 18 paper liners.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from the heat, stir in the cocoa powder until smooth, then stir in the stout. Let cool for 5 minutes.3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, 1/2 cup 50g cocoa powder, 3/4 cup (180ml) Guinness draft beer
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and the sour cream. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, mixing well.2 large eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream
- In a separate bowl, toss together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Divide the batter evenly into the paper liners.1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
- Using an electric or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together. Add the maple syrup and cinnamon, mix again.1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, 1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Then add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well in between until smooth and creamy. Frost as desired and top each cupcake with a mini pretzel.3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, 18 mini pretzels
Hi! Are these safe for kiddos to eat? I would assume the alcohol will bake out, correct?Â
Yes, it is safe for kids. There’s really not that much alcohol per cupcake and once it’s baked most of it will have dissipated.
Hello, I wanted to make these cupcakes, they look incredible, my question is if will the dark bitter chocolate I have work?
Thanks, Vivian. However, unsweetened cocoa powder is best for this recipe.
Thanks you! i will does, i`m sure that are amazing
Made these last night. Amazing is an understatement. My mom who isn’t a big chocolate fan loved these. She asked me what kind of chocolate it was. Lol definitely making these again. So moist as well. And don’t get me started on how good the frosting is!
So glad you think they are amazing and thank you for your lovely comment, Courtney!
The frosting tastes absolutely amazing! I am obsessed!
Can anyone tell me if it’s safe to leave the icing overnight and not serve until the afternoon the next day (no refrigeration at all)??
Hi Sydney,
It is recommended that you refrigerate cream cheese frostings. However, I have left cakes and cupcakes made with cream cheese frosting out overnight and never had any issues. Just make sure its stored in a cool place.
Does the Guinness add any bitter taste at all? They look and sound wonderful!
yes, there is a slight bitterness from the beer. It adds a lovely depth of flavor and pairs really well with the chocolate.
These cupcakes sure bring together many interesting flavors and textures. would have loved to taste it. Happy FF!
I love the addition of the maple cinnamon frosting and the pretzels. These look so good! Thanks for hosting FF this week as well.
I already love chocolate guinness cake – but I’m falling in love all over again with the addition of that Maple Cinnamon Frosting – amazing!
I made a version of these yummy cupcakes last year so I know they are good. Thanks for co-hosting this week 🙂
These ar sinful Lily!! So so good. I am doing things with beer now .. Wish I had seen this earlier though!
You are an amazing baker, Lily! These look completely to die for! I wish I had your baking prowess! 😀
Yum–a great combination of sweet and salty with the pretzel on top! 🙂
Wow, loving these chocolate guinness cupcakes. It looks rich, moist and flavorful, and just in time for St. Patrick’s Day :). Thanks so much for co-hosting this week’s Fiesta. 🙂
These moist and gorgeous cupcakes scream “Party”!! 🙂 Happy Fiesta Friday, co-host!
This is my idea of a perfect cupcake! Chocolate AND beer 😀 It looks absolutely delicious and that frosting looks so creamy too! Love the flavors in it 🙂
Thanks Dini, it’s awesome! Have a great weekend:)
Beer and chocolate? What more does one need? These cupcakes look moist and delicious! Thank you for co-hosting FF this week too. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
These cupcakes look very fun and delicious! I have heard that the combination of chocolate and Guiness is really good–I have not tried it yet, but I really want to! With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, I have a good reason to try to make these! Your photos are beautiful too.